news in 5

Joe Foy of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee will present the committee’s vision for a 500,000 hectare national park in the proposed Stoltmann Wilderness at AWARE’s March 4 meeting.
The proposal has been the subject of a letter writing campaign in recent months. AWARE hopes the meeting will stimulate some discussion in Whistler about the park proposal.
The meeting takes place at 7 p.m., March 4 in the Delta Whistler Resort.
The Whistler Alpine Club is leading a two-day ski tour or Rainbow Mountain, Feb. 25-26.
The club welcomes both members and non-members who are at least intermediate level skiers to join the tour. For more information call Todd at 938-9762.
RCMP Cpl. Mike Shannon and Bylaw officer Scott Langtry have joined Whistler’s Black Bear Task Team.
Also joining the WBBTT is Helene Taylor from the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.
The team wishes to thank AWARE president Stephan Perron for his efforts as he steps down from the volunteer organization.
WBBTT is currently developing its work plan for the next year, including more bear-proofing measures and increased education. The team continues to look for dedicated individuals to help Whistler protect its black bear population. They are especially eager to have members with links to other organizations, including the Whistler Resort Association, the Chamber of Commerce and Whistler schools.
Volunteers should be willing to spend approximately eight hours a month working with the task team. Applicants should send a letter of interest to Brian Barnett at municipal hall.
The WBBTT’s accomplishments for 1998 include: a $40,000 upgrade to bear-proofing at the landfill; a $140,000 expenditure on commercial bear-proof garbage bins, resulting in bear-proofing one-third of the total valley bins; 140 bear-proof garbage containers installed in the village; and a first year comprehensive education plan including bear brochures for households and visitors.